Three Things to Watch in Miami
Miami is no longer the pushover they once were in the post-Dan Marino era. By no means a powerhouse yet, they are showing signs of improvement, both in their overall play and with a few bright spots individually.
The Packers, meanwhile, are coming off two excellent performances and seem to be gaining steam. Let's take a quick look at what we can watch in Miami this weekend.
The Packers D Faces A Strong Opponent
The Packers defense is trending in the right direction. They've made strides in points allowed and takeaways over last season, and the run defense is improving as the year goes on. Miami boasts a formidable running attack, and with Josh Boyd hobbled and Datone Jones unlikely to play, it's possible the Packers could be thin up front. A strong running team may have the advantage in the heat down the stretch, as both teams tire in the Miami sun. If the Packers can't stop the run, this could be a long one.
Tannehill-Type Quarterbacks Typically Burn Green Bay
Ryan Tannehill remains a marvelous athlete. That was always true. He caught 101 passes as a receiver over his freshman and sophomore years at Texas A&M before transitioning to quarterback, and he still possesses excellent speed and overall athletic ability. He's coming along as a passer, although it's tough to really say he's made it yet, as his completion percentage, yards per attempt, and TD/INT ratio still leave a bit to be desired. If the Packers can force Tannehill to beat them as a passer, though, that would likely help their cause immensely.
Can Eddie Go Back-To-Back?
Eddie Lacy finally got going last week with his first 100 yard rushing game of the season, but seeing him do it twice in a row would be an unusual feat. Despite his excellent rookie season, Lacy never posted back to back 100 yard games, and with the Dolphins' stout defense looming, this may not be the best chance for him to do it. However, another solid effort for Lacy would make things that much easier for his offensive counterparts.